Winter Term at Malory Towers Read Online Free PDF Page A

serene now, each of the new girls hoped fervently that they would never be called before her for misbehaviour!
    Fenella left the room, and the Head spoke to each girl individually, asking her name and form. Even Olive found that she did not dare address Miss Grayling in her usual, surly manner, and answered politely. But she still looked rather miserable, and the Head stared at her hard. She knew far more about Olive Witherspoon than that young lady realised! Sylvia, for once, was quite subdued, and confined herself to answering the questions that Miss Grayling asked her, rather than chattering endlessly about herself.
    Then the Head addressed the group as a whole, saying gravely, ‘One day you will leave school, and go out into the world as young women. You should take with you a good understanding of many things, along with a willingness to accept responsibility and help others. I do not count as our successes those who have won scholarships and passed exams, though these are worthy achievements. I count asour successes those who learn to be good-hearted and kind, sensible and trustworthy—good, sound women the world can lean on.’
    The six girls before Miss Grayling listened intently, her words making a great impression on them. Sylvia felt quite determined to become one of Malory Towers’ successes.
    Olive was quite certain that she would not be one. But Miss Grayling’s words were so inspiring that, just for a moment, she wished that she could be.
    By the time that the new girls joined the others, in the fourth-form class-room, all of the seats had been taken, apart from three, side-by-side, in the front row. Another new girl called Sarah, who was in East Tower, quickly slipped into the one nearest the window, leaving the two North Tower girls to take the others.
    â€˜I think that Sylvia and Olive are going to be thrown together quite a lot,’ said Susan to Felicity, as the new girls slipped into the empty seats. ‘They are the only two who don’t have a special friend to pair up with.’
    â€˜Well, perhaps they will be good for one another,’ said Felicity. ‘In spite of her faults, Sylvia seems jolly and good-hearted, so perhaps some of that will rub off on to Olive.’
    â€˜Let’s hope so,’ said Susan. ‘And, with a bit of luck, Olive might quieten Sylvia down a little.’
    â€˜Shh!’ hissed Freddie, who was standing by the door. ‘Miss Williams is coming!’
    At once everyone stopped talking and stood up verystraight, while Freddie politely held the door open for the fourth-form mistress.
    Miss Williams thanked her, and walked to the big desk at the front of the class. She was a scholarly woman, with a rather prim appearance and a gentle manner. But she also had a quiet air of authority, and certainly knew how to keep her class in order.
    â€˜Good morning, girls,’ she said, smiling round.
    â€˜Good morning, Miss Williams,’ chorused the girls.
    â€˜Please sit down. Now, before we get on with the business of making out timetables and handing out books, there are one or two things that I have to say to you.’
    â€˜I bet that she’s going to announce who will be head of the form!’ whispered Nora to Pam.
    â€˜Quiet please, Nora,’ said Miss Williams, without raising her voice.
    Heavens, thought Felicity, she must have awfully sharp ears, for Nora sat near the back of the class.
    â€˜First of all,’ began the mistress, ‘I am sure that you are all eager to know who is to be head-girl of the fourth form.’
    Everyone sat up straight in their seats, and Miss Williams went on, ‘I consulted Miss Potts and Miss Peters before making a decision, and, in the end, we all agreed that we would like to try Susan Blake.’
    A cheer went up, and those nearest to Susan patted her on the back, while Felicity cried, ‘Well done, old girl! You’ll be first-rate, I just know it.’
    Susan, who